Ira Glass on Storytelling

Ira Glass, the voice and mind behind the This American Life radio show & podcast, is often asked about his creative process. How does he manage to keep putting out such exceptional episodes? Finding new material to talk about? Setting a standard in broadcasting that hundreds of thousands now strive for.

In an interview he did On Storytelling, he explains what NO ONE tells beginners.

For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. – Ira Glass On Storytelling

You can listen to the rest of this excerpt, and follow along in this typeset video from David Shiyang Liu:

Feeling inspired? Motivated? Download our charmingly simple “Ira Glass On Storytelling” handwritten poster for your wall or desktop

About the Author Elisa Doucette

Elisa Doucette is a writer and editor who works with professional writers, entrepreneurs, and brands that want to make their own words even better. She is the Founder of Craft Your Content, and oversees Client Strategy and Writing Coaching. Her own writing has been featured in places like Forbes, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Yahoo! Small Business, and The Huffington Post, among others. She also hosts the Writers' Rough Drafts podcast here on CYC. When she isn't writing, editing, or reading words, she can usually be found at a local pub quiz, deep in a sun salutation, or binging TV shows for concept ideas and laughs.

follow me on:

7 comments

Adam Spencer says November 9, 2015

Great article Elisa! “Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this.” I think I’ve got many years ahead of me of this.

Elisa Doucette says November 10, 2015

Thanks Adam! From the first time I heard Glass’ talk, I have absolutely loved it. Good news, if you stay at it many years, you’ll beat out all the people who gave up too early. It’s a longball game, but it gets you there. 🙂

Adam Spencer says November 11, 2015

As I get older the idea of playing the long game just seems to be the wiser and wiser move to make.

Elisa Doucette says November 12, 2015

That’s supposed to be what happens right? Wisdom with age…and stuff?!

Adam Spencer says November 12, 2015

Hmm, I suppose. I guess I’ll figure I’m supposed to get wiser with age when I get a little older and wiser to realize that. But seriously, all lame jokes aside. Love your work and stuff! 🙂